President Craig James welcomed Rotarians and guests to the Rotary Club of Dalkeith, “the home of Rotary District 9455”.
He asked members and guests to sing the anthem. John Thornton announced the members would sing the second verse of the national anthem as well as the first. Words to the second verse (below) were on the tables. John lead off each verse with a pause between and emphasis on the last line of the second verse.
Beneath our radiant Southern Cross
We'll toil with hearts and hands;
To make this Commonwealth of ours
Renowned of all the lands;
For those who've come across the seas
We've boundless plains to share;
With courage let us all combine
To Advance Australia Fair.
In joyful strains then let us sing,
Advance …. Australia …. Fair.
Anniversary Celebration
President Craig advised members that the Rotary Club of Dalkeith was chartered on the 24th April 1984 and the charter dinner was held on 8th June that year. Our “mother” club was the Rotary Club of Nedlands.
The founding President was David Foulkes and his enthusiasm and dedication to the Rotary cause was inspirational to our members and continues to this day.
Of the 31 charter members, there are still 5 current members – John Lindquist, Stuart McCoubrie, John Martin, Ian Ritchie and Terry Rogers, which is a testament to their commitment and the success of the Club.
President Craig welcomed Charter members and asked Charter member Terry Rogers to propose a toast to the club on its 34th Anniversary.
Terry paid tribute to David Foulkes and his inspiration to members resulting in the marvellous fellowship which continues to this day.
Apologies and Leave Of Absence
13 Apologies, 3 Leave of absence, 1 speaker and 1 guest … should be 39 present.
Visiting Rotarians and Guests:
Guest Anita Bourke and her husband were introduced and each member introduced their partner.
Question of the Week:
The question for this week was read by President Craig:
Question: What is this Symbol?
Answer: The Logo and Theme of RI President Elect Barry Rassin for the 2018/2019 Rotary Year.
Answered by: Tom Kendall.
INDUCTION OF PAUL HARRIS FELLOWS:
As an annual donor to the Rotary International Foundation, RCD has the capacity to nominate members or supporters of Rotary and for recognition of their contributions to the Community.
The acknowledgement comes in the form of Paul Harris Fellowship recognition. President Craig said that over the next few months the Club will be recognizing some of our members. Tonight, we shall be honouring two members for their distinguished service to the Club and Rotary.
RECIPIENT _ JOHN THORNTON
Joined RCD over 19 years ago on 15 September 1998.
John has had a lifetime in the entertainment industry, beginning his career in the late 50s as leader of the well-known band, "JT and the Jazzmen". The band featured regularly on radio and television and appeared at Perth's leading ballrooms and toured Australia. Some can remember the band playing at their Year 12 Dances.
John joined the Royal Australian Navy Reserve band and in 1967 served with the Australian Army as Hon Captain in the YMCA Army Welfare unit in Vietnam for 18 months.
John is Past President of the Subiaco Business Association, Founder and Past Chairman of the Baker Theatre Trust Theatre (now Regal Theatre Foundation Ltd) and Past General Manager of the Regal. He is currently a consultant to the Regal Theatre Foundation Ltd and took an active role in restoration and planning for the Regal Theatre and other venues in WA and the Eastern states.
John’s involvement in the Regal Theatre commenced in about 1977. John unashamedly admits that without the efforts of himself and others he encouraged, the Regal Theatre would not exist today. Coincidentally, the Regal Theatre celebrates its 80th birthday today.
John joined the Rotary Club of Perth in 1988 and after 10 years there at the suggestion of Graeme Sansom joined Dalkeith in 1998.
As well as a member of Rotary he is also a member of the Royal Perth Yacht Club, Highgate RSL, Royal Australian Navy Band Association and Life Member of the YMCA.
Many Western Australians have enjoyed the benefits of the Regal Theatre over the past 40 years since the commencement of John’s association with it. It is fitting that John be recognised by Rotary for that contribution and for his long association with Rotary International.
The Paul Harris Fellowship was presented to John by DG Lindsay Dry. John responded by expressing his “belief” in the value of Rotary and the Rotary values. He said he was honoured, delighted and “thank you”.
RECIPIENT _ ANTHONY McGRATH
Anthony joined RCD almost 4 years ago on 1 September 2014. He has not wasted any time in throwing himself with full commitment into the Club’s activities. He became Director of the Membership and Youth Committee in the 2015/2016 Rotary Year and has been the Club’s quiet achiever Treasurer in the 2016/2017 and the 2017/2018 Rotary Years.
This year he also took on the important role of Chairman of the District 9455 Conference 2018 acclaimed as the best for many years and unusually, likely to return a small surplus to the District. Management of the Conference has attracted highest accolades from the wider District Community and has reflected positively on the District Governor Lindsay Dry and RCD.
It is fitting that Anthony’s efforts on behalf of the Club and Rotary be acknowledged by his Club.
The Paul Harris Fellowship was presented to Anthony by DG Lindsay Dry. Anthony responded by thanking the members of Dalkeith for turning up in great numbers to support the conference. He said that made the effort to organise the conference worthwhile and rewarding.
Birthdays and Anniversaries: Bob Davis announced the birthdays and anniversaries as follows:
Mon, 23 Apr – Jane Sansom’s Birthday
Wed, 25 Apr – Jill Thomas’s Birthday
Thu, 26 Apr – Trevor and Alicia celebrate their 26th Wedding Anniversary
Sat, 28th Apr – Neil and June Wilkie celebrate their 46th Wedding Anniversary
Sun, 29th Apr – Kevin and Janice Jackson celebrate their 45th Wedding Anniversary
Members Attendance: ….% attendance – …. members present.
